Tech Giants Tell H-1B Visa Holders to Stay Put Amid US Immigration Shift

Amazon, Google, Microsoft Warn H-1B Employees to Stay in US Amid Visa Changes In response to President Donald Trump's recent changes to H-1B visa applications, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have reportedly instructed their employees with these visas to remain in the United States. According to multiple media reports, the tech giants sent emails to their H-1B holders advising them to avoid foreign travel for now and, if already abroad, try to return before the proclamation takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Sunday. The White House announced Friday that Trump had signed a proclamation requiring employers to pay a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications. Business Insider published memos from Amazon and Microsoft, while Sources shared a similar memo from Google. A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment, but TechCrunch has reached out to Amazon and Google for further information. Amazon employees have received the most H-1B visas so far this fiscal year, followed by Tata Consultancy Services, then Microsoft, Meta, and Apple, with Google ranked sixth, according to government data. Meanwhile, a White House official told Axios that the fee will only apply to new applicants, not existing H-1B holders or renewals. The move is seen as an attempt by the tech companies to mitigate potential disruptions to their operations due to the changes in visa regulations. "This is a clear indication of the impact these changes could have on our employees and businesses," said a source familiar with Amazon's plans, who wished to remain anonymous. Industry experts believe that the new fee will make it more challenging for employers to sponsor H-1B visas, potentially leading to a decrease in applications. "The $100,000 fee is a significant barrier to entry for many companies, and this could lead to a shortage of skilled workers in the US," said Ronil Hira, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. The changes are set to take effect on Sunday, and it remains to be seen how they will affect the tech industry. The move has sparked concerns among employers and employees alike, with many wondering what the long-term implications of these changes will be. As the situation continues to unfold, TechCrunch will provide updates on any further developments. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*